Form my reading of the report, it was about the adoption of a standardized universal (International) checklist rather than implying that UK hospitals did things in a hap-hazard manner. I've had over 40 surgeries and for each oone, there were the patient id checks at the point of being taken from the ward to theatre, the handover to theatre staff and once in the anaesthetic room. There were checks also that my consent form was signed, the operation site was appropriately marked and I'd fasted appropriately. Allergies were also checked verbally with me gasints the information on the front of my notes. Both my name and DOB were checked against my notes and my wristband.
There were also post-op checklists too, to make sure I was fit enough to return to the ward or, for day surgery, go home.